Pineapple Cranberry Cream Cheese Party Pinwheels

These Pineapple Cranberry Cream Cheese Party Pinwheels are the ultimate bite-sized party treat sweet, tangy, creamy, and impossibly easy to make. Packed with tropical pineapple, festive cranberries, and a hint of green onion for balance, each swirl showcases a perfect harmony of flavors and fun colors. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, prepping game-day appetizers, or need something quick for a potluck, these chilled tortilla roll-ups are guaranteed to disappear fast!

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crushed pineapple, dried cranberries, green onions, and vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is smooth, creamy, and evenly blended.
2. Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous, even layer of the cream cheese mixture over the tortilla, leaving a thin border along the edges to prevent overflow.
3. Starting from one end, roll the tortilla tightly into a log, keeping the filling inside. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
4. Wrap each tortilla roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to slice cleanly.
5. Once chilled, unwrap and use a sharp knife to slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels.
6. If using pecans, gently press the chopped nuts onto the outer edges of the pinwheels for added texture.
7. Arrange on a platter and serve chilled!

Variation

1. Swap the dried cranberries for chopped dried cherries. This creates a richer, deeper fruit flavor while keeping the same festive feel.
2. Use flavored tortillas. Spinach, tomato basil, or even whole wheat tortillas add a pop of color and subtle flavor differences to match the occasion.
3. Add shredded coconut for extra tropical flair. Just a tablespoon or two provides a sweet, beachy note that complements the pineapple beautifully.
4. Mix in finely diced jalapeños. For a party appetizer with a kick, add just a bit of heat to balance the sweet ingredients without overpowering the creaminess.
5. Replace cream cheese with whipped ricotta. This gives the filling a lighter, airier texture and a slightly tangy finish.

Cooking Notes

1. Be sure to drain the pineapple well, pressing out excess liquid to prevent soggy tortillas.
2. The filling spreads easiest when the cream cheese is fully softened, so let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before mixing.
3. A serrated knife works best for clean, neat slices when cutting the chilled rolls.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve them chilled on a colorful platter. The bright reds, greens, and yellows pop beautifully at holiday gatherings or summer cookouts.
2. Pair them with savory appetizers. These slightly sweet pinwheels balance out salty finger foods like charcuterie, cheese boards, or sliders.
3. Offer a dipping sauce like honey yogurt or citrus cream. A light, sweet dip adds a fun upgrade for guests who love extra creaminess.
4. Use them as a brunch side. They add a refreshing, fruity touch alongside quiche, muffins, and fresh fruit platters.

Tips

1. Don’t skip the chilling step. This is the key to getting clean, tight swirls that hold their shape on the serving platter.
2. Spread the filling all the way to the edges, except for the border. This prevents gaps in your pinwheels and ensures every piece is full of flavor.
3. Roll the tortillas tightly. The tighter the roll, the prettier and more compact your pinwheel slices will be.
4. Chop ingredients finely. Large chunks inside the filling make rolling difficult and cause uneven slices.
5. Make ahead for convenience. You can prepare the rolls up to 24 hours in advance just keep them wrapped and slice before serving.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Pinwheel)

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Sodium: 110 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these pinwheels the day before?
2. Can I freeze the pinwheels for later?
3. What type of tortillas work best for rolling?
4. How should I store leftovers to keep them fresh?

Conclusion

These Pineapple Cranberry Cream Cheese Party Pinwheels bring together refreshing sweetness, creamy texture, and a beautiful swirl presentation that always impresses. Simple to make and easy to customize, they’re a go-to appetizer for any celebration or casual gathering. With a little chill time and a handful of vibrant ingredients, you’ll have a delightful finger food that both kids and adults adore. Enjoy every tropical, creamy bite!

Print